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List of the most important national parks in Paraguay

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List of the most important national parks in Paraguay

Paraguay has 15 officially recognized national parks that protect an extraordinary diversity of ecosystems, from the humid subtropical forests of the Eastern Region (Paraneña) to the extensive savannas and dunes of the Western Region (Chaco). These spaces not only conserve numerous endemic and threatened species—jaguars, tapirs, migratory birds, Ibirá-Pitá palms, and unique dunes—but are also vital for regulating the local climate and providing ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge and flood control. Below, the parks are grouped by region, with a brief introductory description and key details regarding their location, nature, features, and accessibility.

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🌳 Eastern region (Paraneña)

Rainforests and wetland areas dominate the Eastern Region, with a humid subtropical climate, abundant rainfall (1,300–1,800 mm/year), and a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Parque Nacional Caazapá

Caazapá National Park is an important protected area in southeastern Paraguay, home to one of the last well-preserved sections of the Atlantic Forest (Bosque Atlántico del Alto Paraná).

  • Location: Departamento Caazapá.
    Google-Maps
  • Character: Humid forest with transition to Cerrado savanna; landscapes of rolling hills, subtropical rainforest, and wetlands.
  • Hydrography: It protects the springs that feed the Tebicuary River and other minor tributaries of the Paraguay and Paraná basins.
  • Particularities of biodiversity: A biodiversity refuge with more than 150 bird species—including several toucans—and endangered mammals such as the jaguarundi and the tapir; records of the giant anteater have also been reported. It is part of the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened ecosystems in South America.
  • Access: Via Route PY08; unpaved roads, a 4×4 vehicle and a local guide are recommended.
  • Tourism: Underdeveloped, with simple rural options in the Apepu Colony (Tava'i District). Ideal for nature lovers seeking unspoiled landscapes.

Parque Nacional Cerro Corá

Cerro Corá National Park combines history and nature in a landscape of gentle hills, forests, and open savannas. It is one of Paraguay's most iconic sites for its cultural and scenic value.

  • Location: Departamento Amambay, 45 km from Pedro Juan Caballero, on Route PY05.
    Google-Maps
  • Character: Forested hills, savannah grasslands, and pristine waterways. The park protects the headwaters of streams that flow into the Aquidabán River.
  • Particularities of biodiversity: A historic site of the War of the Triple Alliance, Marshal Francisco Solano López, the last Paraguayan president involved in the conflict, died here in 1870. The area features monuments and memorial sites. It is also home to typical Cerrado fauna, such as the armadillo, the marsh deer, and various savanna and forest birds.
  • Access: Easy access via paved Route PY05 to the main entrance; within the park, there are marked hiking trails and natural viewpoints.
  • Tourism: It's one of the country's most visited national parks due to its historical significance. It offers recreational areas, camping areas, and basic visitor services.

Parque Nacional Ñacunday

Ñacunday National Park is a natural gem of the Eastern Region, famous for its impressive waterfall and the biodiversity of the surrounding Atlantic Forest. Although it is one of the smallest parks in Paraguay, it combines scenic beauty with ecological and cultural value.

Panoramico de Ñacunday
Source: Hugo Diaz Lavigne | Dominio público | Wikipedia
  • Location: Alto Paraná Department, Ñacunday district, about 90 km from Ciudad del Este.
    Google-Maps
  • Character: Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest with dense jungle, waterways and the spectacular waterfall Salto Ñacunday, which reaches around 40 meters in height and over 100 meters in width. The Ñacunday River flows through the park and flows into the Paraná River.
  • Biodiversity peculiarities: The park protects habitats of endemic and migratory birds, as well as medium-sized mammals typical of the Atlantic forest. The Salto Ñacunday waterfall is the main tourist attraction and a regional symbol. It also holds cultural significance for the Mbya Guaraní indigenous communities living in the area.
  • Access: A paved road runs from Ciudad del Este to the Los Cedrales district, followed by dirt roads to the park entrance; accessible by conventional vehicle. Within the area, there are marked trails leading to the waterfall.
  • Tourism: It offers picnic areas, short trails, and viewpoints. It's a popular day trip destination from Ciudad del Este, ideal for those seeking nature, photography, and exposure to the Atlantic Forest.

Parque Nacional San Rafael

San Rafael National Park is one of Paraguay's most valuable natural areas, both ecologically and culturally, although it has not yet been fully formalized as a national park in the full administrative sense.

  • Location: It extends over the departments of Itapúa and Caazapá, in the San Rafael Mountain Range. It is located about 396 km from Asunción along Route 1, passing through districts such as Tavaí, San Juan Nepomuceno and Yuty (Caazapá), and San Rafael del Paraná, Edelira, Itapúa Poty, Alto Verá and others (Itapúa).
    Google-Maps
  • Landfläche: Approximately 70,000-78,000 hectares; some sources speak of 73,000 hectares as a protected area under the status of a National Park Reserve.
  • Character: The Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest (BAAPA) predominates, with humid, subtropical, semi-deciduous forests; there are also natural grasslands, wetlands, streams, and numerous springs. The relief includes the mountain range, with elevations reaching up to 500 meters.
  • Biodiversity peculiarities: More than 392 species of birds recorded, many of them endemic to the Atlantic Forest.
    Significant mammals such as pumas, South American tapirs, jaguars, and other large mammals; and a variety of smaller fauna, including armadillos, foxes, and others.
    Diverse flora: more than 322 species of vascular plants, including lapacho, cedar, laurel, incense, orchid genera and medicinal species.
  • Legal status / Conservation: It was declared a reserve by decree in 1992; its category has changed several times (from National Park Reserve to Managed Resource Reserve, etc.), but much of the land within the area still belongs to private owners. This makes it difficult to manage it as a national park with all the associated services and protection.
  • Access: Access is from Asunción via Route 1 ("Mariscal Francisco Solano López") to nearby districts, then via secondary roads and highways; for certain inland areas, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
    There are hiking trails, viewpoints, camping areas, basic facilities nearby or within the reserve, some rural cabins, and visitor centers operated by social organizations or communities.
  • Tourism: Ideal for ecotourism, birdwatching, nature photography, and contact with indigenous Mbya communities—also for interpretive hikes. It's less suitable if you expect high amenities; visitors should be prepared for nature trails, limited infrastructure, and limited basic services.

Parque Nacional Serranía San Luis

Serranía San Luis National Park is a natural reserve of great ecological value in the north of Paraguay's Eastern Region. It protects vulnerable Cerrado ecosystems and is home to a remarkable, yet understudied, biodiversity.

  • Location: Department of Concepción, districts of San Carlos del Apa and San Alfredo, between the Apa and Aquidabán rivers, approximately 484 km from Asunción.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: 10,282 hectares.
  • Character: Typical vegetation of the cerrado and seasonal forest; sandy and rocky soils; mountainous geological formations with hills and crystal-clear streams. Plant communities adapted to poor soil conditions and moderate dry seasons predominate.
  • Biodiversity peculiarities: It is home to threatened species such as the jagua yvyguy (vinegar dog), recently observed.
    Diversity of reptiles, cerrado birds, and bat species — Home to some 25 of the 55 bat species recorded in Paraguay.
    Notable flora including species such as Amburana cearensis (Clover) and various species of macaws.
  • Legal status / Protection: It was declared a National Park by decree No. 11,964/91, with subsequent legal ratification by Law No. 4,228/10, Law No. 5,966 in 2017 defined its definitive surface.
    It has also been declared of environmental interest by the Senate due to reports of illegal logging.
  • Access: Access is via the Concepción–Vallemí route, with a detour 20 km from San Alfredo; then, a dirt road (approximately 17 km) leads to the park entrance. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to road conditions.
    There are no formally posted public hours; basic visitor infrastructure is available, but limited (nature trails, rudimentary viewpoints).
  • Tourism: Ideal for ecotourism, wildlife observation, hiking, biological research, and photography. It's not a popular destination: perfect for those seeking pristine nature, silence, and untouched mountain landscapes. It's recommended to bring supplies, water, insect protection, and plan ahead.

Parque Nacional Estero Milagro

Estero Milagro National Park is a protected area of ​​high ecological value located in the department of San Pedro. It preserves wetland ecosystems, savannas, estuaries, and lowland forests characteristic of the Central Coast ecoregion.

  • Location: San Pedro Department. Coordinates approximately 23°34′ S, 57°22′ W.
    Google-Maps
  • Character: Flooded natural grasslands, estuaries, ponds, lagoons, and lowland forests interspersed with gallery vegetation. Partially calcareous soils influence the composition of the flora. Wetlands that produce aquatic biodiversity and temporary and permanent freshwater environments.
  • Area and legal status: Approximately 22,500-25,000 hectares. Declared a “National Park Reserve” by Decree No. 19,431 of December 24, 1997.
  • Biodiversity peculiarities: Important refuge for migratory birds and aquatic species.
    Notable fauna: otters (Lutreolina crassicaudata), anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla), anaconda (Eunectes murinus), jacú (Penelope superciliaris), osprey (Pandion haliaetus).
    Flora adapted to floodable environments and calcareous soils, a variety of aquatic and riparian plants.
  • Access: Access is from nearby towns in San Pedro via paved national roads to closer sections, then via trails or paths that may be in poor condition during rainy weather. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for certain periods.
    There is little formal tourism infrastructure within the area. There are no large visitor centers or sophisticated services; visitors should bring supplies and be prepared for natural conditions.
  • Tourism: An ideal destination for birdwatching, nature photography, short hikes on nature trails, ecological studies, and for those seeking an authentic wetland experience. It is not suitable for mass tourism or those seeking high-end amenities.

Parque Nacional Paso Bravo

Paso Bravo National Park is one of the largest protected areas of the Cerrado ecosystem in Paraguay, with a great diversity of flora and fauna, and remote natural conditions that make it ideal for ecotourism and nature observation.

  • Location: Concepción Department, San Carlos del Apa District. Approximately 580-600 km from Asunción.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: ~ 100,614 hectares.
  • Character: It is part of the Cerrado biome; it includes savannas, seasonally dry forests, riparian areas, drainages toward the Apa River, and relatively undisturbed natural ecosystems.
  • Biodiversity peculiarities: Birds like the gua’a hovy (threatened species), gua’a pyta, blue and red macaws.
    Featured mammals: puma, jaguar, tatú carreta, mountain dog.
    Presence of flora characteristic of the Cerrado: trees such as Kurupay kuru, incense and species that tolerate poor soils.
  • Access: Access is via land; from Concepción, you can take the Loreto–Paso Barreto–Sargento José Félix López (formerly Puentesiño) road, which is approximately 177 km long. A vehicle with off-road capabilities is recommended for certain sections.
  • Tourism: Camping, hiking, and birdwatching are permitted; it's a destination for those seeking unspoiled, untouched nature.
  • Challenges / threats: Illegal use of parts of the park for marijuana cultivation, clandestine camps, and improvised landing strips.
    Tourist infrastructure is still limited; road conditions can vary greatly depending on the season.

Ybycuí National Park

Ybycuí National Park combines waterfalls, industrial history, and accessible trails. Its most famous waterfalls include Salto Guaraní, Mina, Mbocaruzú, and Cristal, which are popular for swimming and photography. The site also houses the former La Rosada foundry (1849), a testament to the 19th-century steel industry.
A network of trails connects viewpoints and wildlife-watching areas. Due to its proximity to Asunción (1.5–2 hours), it is a popular destination for day trips.

  • Location: Paraguarí Department, Ybycuí district. Approximately 142-150 km from Asunción, by national route.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: ~ 5,000 hectares.
  • Date of creation and legal status: It was declared a National Park by Executive Decree No. 32,772 on May 16, 1973.
  • Character: Interior Atlantic Forest (Central Jungle), with dense humid subtropical forests, gallery forests and waterways.
    A landscape marked by rolling hills, streams and natural waterfalls, as well as rocky outcrops, ponds, and pools. A varied geological landscape with outcrops of sedimentary rocks such as sandstones from the Caacupé mountain range, and the Paraguarí and Tobatí formations, among others.
  • Biodiversity peculiarities: At least 129 species of birds, 42 mammals, 18 reptiles, 26 amphibians and 68 insects have been recorded.
    Featured species: the puma, guasu pyta (deer), kuati (coati), teju guasu (large lizard), ka'i paraguay (capuchin monkey), as well as dangerous or notable reptile species such as yarara, rattlesnake, and even recent records of species such as the guan (Penelope superciliaris), tirica (Leopardus geoffroyi) and aguara pope (Procyon cancrivorus).
  • Cultural and historical elements:
    Inside the park is La Rosada, a former iron foundry built in 1849 during the government of Carlos Antonio López, which has since been restored and declared a national monument.
    The park combines historical value with nature, making it attractive to those seeking experiences that unite heritage and ecotourism.
  • Access: Access is via National Route 1 "Mariscal Francisco Solano López" to Carapeguá, then a branch to Ybycuí, then a detour and finally a paved road to the park area. The final stretches may be dirt roads, depending on the access route.
    The park has at least five designated hiking trails, accessible public waterfalls such as Salto Guaraní, Salto Mina, Salto Mbocaruzú, and Salto Cristal, as well as recreational areas, picnic areas, restrooms, and observation points. There is also a visitor center.
  • Tourism: Ideal for day trips (from Asunción or other cities in the Paraguarí department), although staying overnight allows you to explore more trails and enjoy the waterfalls at a leisurely pace.
    Typical activities: photography, bird watching, swimming in natural pools, historical tourism (La Rosada).

Parque Nacional Ypoá

Ypoá National Park protects one of Paraguay's largest wetlands, where lagoons, estuaries, and riparian forests create a landscape of great natural wealth. Its waters and grasslands are essential for the reproduction of fish and birds, and also serve as a refuge for numerous migratory species. This ecosystem, of vital ecological importance, represents a symbol of the conservation of aquatic environments in the south of the country.

Source: Arthuro SantaCruz | CC BY-SA 3.0 | Wikipedia
  • Location: Ñeembucú, Paraguarí and Central departments, covering districts such as Quiindy, Caapucú, Villa Oliva and San Roque González de Santa Cruz.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: Approximately 1.000 km² (100,000 ha) according to various sources.
  • Date of creation and legal status: It was created by executive decree No. 43,681 on May 29, 1992. It was also designated a Ramsar site on June 7, 1995.
  • Character: System of permanent lagoons (Cabral, Vera and Ypoá lagoons), estuaries, wetlands, riparian vegetation, flood zones and transition to seasonal savannas.
  • Biodiversity peculiarities: Waterfowl and migratory birds — the park is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
    Aquatic fauna: capybaras, reptiles, fish that use wetlands for spawning.
    Aquatic and riparian flora: species such as water hyacinth, wild cane, piri and vegetation characteristic of wetlands.
  • Access: Route 8 to Alberdi, then good roads.
    It is accessed by rural diversions from Quiindy (Paraguarí) to the lagoons; unpaved rural roads in interior areas.
  • Tourism: Birdwatching, ecotourism, nature trails, and nature photography. Limited formal tourism infrastructure.
  • Challenges: Investigations for unauthorized tourist exploitation in the area of ​​Lake Ypoá by the Ministry of the Environment (MADES) have been reported.

Parque Nacional Vapor Cué

Vapor Cué National Park is an important open-air museum in Paraguay that preserves the remains of warships from the War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870). It serves as a monument to the country's maritime history and the sacrifices of its people.

  • Location: Caraguatay District, Cordillera Department. It is about 4 km from the urban center of Caraguatay and approximately 98 km from Asunción.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: ~ 54-56 hectares.
  • Date of creation / legal status: Declared a National Historic Heritage Site by Decree No. 7900 in 2017. Naval vessels grounded in 1869 are being restored; the Naval Museum has been located in the park since 1978.
  • Character: The 56-hectare site is located on the banks of the Yhaguy River and contains the remains of seven Paraguayan warships that were sunk during the war to avoid capture. It is a riparian area with riparian vegetation and relatively modified forest near urban areas. Its primary purpose is not the conservation of a large natural ecosystem, but rather the preservation of historical, naval, and cultural heritage.
  • Biodiversity peculiarities: The park was declared a National Historic Heritage Site in 2017 and, in addition to the shipwrecks, also includes a naval museum and a naval monument. It does not appear to have a unique or endemic biodiversity comparable to that of larger natural parks; the important thing is the preservation of historically significant ships (Anhambay, Piravéve, and other shipwrecks) and their heritage value.
  • Access: The park can be reached via paved Route PY02 to Caraguatay. From there, a 4-kilometer road leads directly into the park. It is easily accessible for visitors.
  • Tourism: It's an open-air museum, a site of historical memory. It features signage, a restoration of naval hulls, and a display of remains. Guided tours are offered. It's more of a cultural destination than a pristine wilderness. It offers modest facilities suitable for daytime visits.

🏜️ Western Region (Chaco)

The Chaco (Western Region) offers a semi-arid to humid environment, with seasonal lagoons, thorny bush savannas and extensive dunes, home to emblematic species such as jaguars and Chaco tapirs.

Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco

Paraguay's largest park and jaguar reserve. Defensores del Chaco National Park is Paraguay's largest park, a vast reserve in the dry Chaco region that's home to iconic species, xerophilous ecosystems, and an extreme landscape that demands preparation.

Source: Ilosuna | CC BY 1.0 | Wikipedia
  • Location: Alto Paraguay and Boquerón Departments, Western Region (Chaco). Approximately 660 km from the city of Asunción.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: Approximately 720,000-780,000 hectares, depending on the official delimitation.
  • Date of creation / legal status: It was created on August 6, 1975 by Executive Decree No. 16,806.
  • Character: The predominant habitat is thorny savanna, xerophytic forests, drought-resistant shrub formations, cacti, and species adapted to arid climates. It includes plain areas, isolated hills such as Cerro León (~600 m above sea level), and soils that withstand extreme temperature fluctuations.
  • Particularities of biodiversity: 7 000 km2 of territory; wildlife sighting routes. Emblematic birds and mammals: jaguar (jaguareté), puma, ounce cat, jaguarundí, tapir, ant bear, carriage tattoo, and parrots.
    Adapted flora: white quebracho, coronillo, palo santo, carob, white samu’u, and various cacti.
  • Access: Um das Landesinnere zu erreichen, werden ausschließlich Allradfahrzeuge empfohlen. Die Städte im Chaco sind über Landwege miteinander verbunden, wobei der Haupteingang je nach Ankunftsort in der Nähe von Mariscal Estigarribia oder Bahía Negra liegt.
  • Tourism: Wildlife observation, wildlife photography, guided excursions; camping in permitted and regulated areas. Limited tourist infrastructure; visits are recommended during the dry season for better accessibility.

Parque Nacional Médanos del Chaco

A landscape of shifting dunes, extensive sand dunes, resilient vegetation, and historical remains: Médanos del Chaco is a unique ecosystem within the Paraguayan Chaco, combining extreme nature with cultural value.

  • Location: Boquerón and Alto Paraguay Departments, Western Region of Paraguay, bordering the Defensores del Chaco National Park. Main entrance from Mariscal Estigarribia.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: Around 605.705 hectáreas after its expansion by Law 5723/16 in 2016.
  • Date of creation and legal status: Decree No. 21,957 of August 12, 2003, declared it a National Park. It is part of the Chaco Biosphere Reserve.
  • Character: Shifting dunes, sand dunes, dry xerophytic forest, semi-desert areas, and pioneer vegetation adapted to sandy soils and an arid climate. It lies at the transition between the very dry Chaco and areas of greater humidity. It includes aeolian soils and dunes with low water retention.
  • Particularities of biodiversity: Rare desert landscape in South America; endemic ecosystems.
    Flora: numerous cacti (more than 35 species recorded), thorny bushes, species such as white quebracho, samu'u, palo santo and plants that store water in deep roots such as Jacaratia corumbensis (“yvy’a”).
    Fauna: presence of mammals adapted to the arid environment, such as armadillos, guanacos, peccaries, and jaguars in some areas; reptiles and birds of prey unique to the dry Chaco; and endemic species native to the dunes.
  • Access: From Mariscal Estigarribia via dirt roads; access is difficult, especially during the rainy season. A 4x4 vehicle is required for inland sections. There is no developed tourist infrastructure within the park.
  • Tourism: Flora and fauna observation, adventure tourism, ecological studies, and recognition of historical heritage such as trenches and vestiges of the Chaco War. Camping is permitted in authorized areas. This is not a full-service destination; visitors should come prepared.
  • Challenges: Vulnerability to hydrocarbon exploration or exploitation projects; degradation due to soil erosion caused by wind and limited vegetation in affected areas; pressure from legal changes that could affect their status.

Parque Nacional Teniente Agripino Enciso

A park in the dry Chaco region that combines nature, history, and unique species; ideal for those seeking adventure and scorching landscapes in the vastness of the Chaco. It protects dry forests and associated wildlife.

  • Location: Boquerón Department, Marshal Jose Felix Estigarribia District. Approximately 660 km from Asunción, accessible by the Transchaco Route (National Route No. 9) to La Patria, then unpaved sections to the administrative headquarters of the park.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: 42,241 hectares.
  • Date of creation / legal status: Created on May 21, 1980, by Executive Decree No. 15,936; legally delimited by Law No. 5,522 of 2015. It belongs to the National System of Protected Wilderness Areas.
  • Character: Dry Chaco ecosystem, with a xerophytic thorn forest; vegetation dominated by white quebracho, samu'u, and heat- and drought-resistant shrubs. Sandy soils, low annual rainfall, and extreme temperatures. There are areas of dense scrub, ravines, and watering spots for wildlife.
  • Particularities of biodiversity: Habitat of pumas, peccaries and birds of the Chaco.
    Home of the Taguá (Catagonus wagneri, Chaco-Pekari,, endemic species of the Dry Chaco and in danger.
    Large mammals such as jaguars, pumas, and tapirs; also anteaters, caracaras, and a variety of birds of prey and scrub birds.
    Historical remains of the Chaco War: trenches, trenches, Fortín Siracua (fort captured in 1934), memorial sites within the park.
  • Access: Access is via National Route 9 "Transchaco" to La Patria; from there, sections of dirt road lead to the park. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for inland routes, especially during the rainy season; the administrative headquarters are approximately 660 km from Asunción.
  • Tourism / Permitted use: Wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and historical sites are permitted; camping is permitted in designated areas. Basic signage is provided; a local guide is recommended. Infrastructure is modest.

Parque Nacional Río Negro

Located in the northeastern corner of the Paraguayan Chaco, Río Negro is a flagship area for the Pantanal wetlands, an ecosystem of immense natural wealth whose protection is still underway, but with enormous ecological and biological value.

  • Location: Alto Paraguay Department, Bahía Negra District. Approximately 810 km from Asunción.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: ~ 122,774 hectares.
  • Date of creation / legal status: Declared a Reserve Area for Río Negro National Park by Decree No. 13,202 of 2001. Still in the initial implementation phase: it lacks solid infrastructure and formal access.
  • Character: Pantanal ecosystem, with flooded forests, riparian scrub, and flooded savannas with periods of permanent and seasonal flooding. Areas heavily influenced by flooding of the Negro River and its auxiliary rivers; a dominant fluvial-wetland environment.
  • Particularities of biodiversity: Aquatic and semi-aquatic fauna: typical Pantanal fish such as dorado, surubí, and karimbatá; reptiles, and rare species such as the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis).
    Potential larger mammals include jaguar, tapir, and great-lipped peccary; armadillos, teju guasu, gua'a pyta, and capybaras are also present.
    Representative flora: white samu'u, palo borracho, white quebracho, palo santo; Karanda'y palms, cacti, vegetation adapted to flooded areas and dry periods.
  • Access: Very difficult. There is no formal direct access in many cases. Access is possible by land via the Transchaco Route (Route 9) to Filadelfia, then by secondary roads to Bahía Negra; or by navigating the Negro River or by boat from Bahía Negra. 4x4 vehicles are recommended for many inland areas.
  • Tourism: Birdwatching, visits to local communities, camping with permits, wildlife photography safaris; low-impact activities. Very limited tourist infrastructure; no extensive tourist services.

Parque Nacional Tinfunqué

A vast Chaco reserve where wetlands, savannas, and riparian ecosystems coexist with historical remains; a refuge for migratory birds and wildlife, especially in flood-prone areas.

  • Location: Presidente Hayes Department, Western Region (Chaco). Bordered by the Pilcomayo River. Approximate coordinates: 24°15′S, 59°30′W.
    Google-Maps
  • Surface: ~ 280.000 hectares.
  • Date of creation / legal status: Created by Executive Decree No. 18,205 on May 4, 1966. Recategorized under Law No. 5874 in 2017 as a Managed Resource Reserve. A Ramsar Site since June 7, 1995.
  • Character: It frequently floods along the Pilcomayo River; it combines alluvial plains, gallery forests, lagoons, floodable savannas, and dry shrub areas. Patches of riparian forest alongside old channels, vegetation adapted to the wet-dry cycle.
  • Particularities of biodiversity: Refuge for aquatic birds and small mammals.
    Abundant migratory and aquatic birds; threatened plant species such as Potamogeton striatus.
    Mammals: jaguar populations, turtles, caimans, and fish breeding in waterholes; as well as typical fauna of the humid Chaco.
  • Access: Access is via unpaved roads from Fortín Rojas Silva, Route 12 (Vicepresidente Sánchez), a rural inland section. Many remote areas and variable conditions, especially during the rainy season. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
  • Tourism: Wildlife observation, cultural/historical visits, especially related to the Pilcomayo River and the water cycle. There is no major tourist infrastructure; camping with permits, local hiking, and guided tours are available.

Sources: Paraguay Turismo (SENATUR), MADES (Ministerio del Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible de Paraguay), RSIS Ramsar (Convención Ramsar / rsis.ramsar.org), BACN (Biblioteca y Archivo del Congreso Nacional de Paraguay / bacn.gov.py), Disfrutando Paraguay (disfrutandoparaguay.com), ABC Color (abc.com.py), La Nación Paraguay (lanacion.com.py), IP Paraguay (ip.gov.py), Wikipedia – Lista de parques nacionales de Paraguay (consulta 2025).

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